By Suresh Unnithan
Olanchery Rajagopal is a rare breed of politician—little obsessed with power yet deeply committed to honesty in both public and personal life. Affectionately known as Rajettan, he stands out as a symbol of perseverance, piety, and principled leadership.
In the vibrant Indian political landscape, where ideological battles have long defined the state’s narrative, his name stands out as a symbol of perseverance, piety, and principled leadership. As one of the senior-most leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), O. Rajagopal served two terms as a Rajya Sabha member, over six years as a Union Minister of State, and etched his name in history as the first BJP MLA in Kerala. His life, marked by a Spartan and devout existence, serves as an exemplary model for the current generation of politicians and citizens alike. A lawyer who joined the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS) in the early 1960s, he dedicated his career to building the party from the ground up in a state traditionally dominated by leftist and centrist forces. Today, even in his vanaprastha phase—a period of reflective retirement in Hindu tradition—he remains actively engaged, inspiring those around him with his unwavering commitment to public service.
Born on September 15, 1929, in Olanchery, Palakkad, Kerala, Rajagopal’s journey began in the legal profession, where his sharp intellect and ethical stance quickly earned him respect. Joining the BJS in the early 1960s, he embraced the party’s nationalist ethos at a time when it had minimal presence in the southern state. Undeterred by the challenges, Rajagopal worked tirelessly to establish the party’s foundations in Kerala. His efforts were instrumental in organizing grassroots movements, rallying supporters, and articulating the party’s vision amid a politically charged environment. When the BJS evolved into the BJP in 1980 following the Janata Party split, Rajagopal served as the Kerala state president until 1985, laying the groundwork for what would become a resilient organizational structure. His leadership during these formative years was pivotal, transforming the party from a fringe entity into a recognized force, even if electoral success took decades to materialize.
Rajagopal’s rise to the national stage was equally remarkable. His close associations with stalwarts like L.K. Advani and Atal Bihari Vajpayee propelled him into prominent roles, including two terms in the Rajya Sabha (1992–2004) and over six years as a Union Minister of State in various portfolios—such as Defence, Parliamentary Affairs, Urban Development, Law, Justice, Company Affairs, and Railways—under the Vajpayee government. As a minister, he focused on development-oriented policies, earning a reputation for impeccable credibility and a no-nonsense approach to governance. His contributions extended beyond party lines, emphasizing infrastructure, education, and economic growth—areas where his legal acumen and administrative skills shone brightly. Despite numerous electoral setbacks over the years, Rajagopal’s persistence paid off in 2016 when he won the Nemom assembly seat in Thiruvananthapuram becoming the first BJP MLA in Kerala’s history. This victory was not just a personal triumph but a milestone for the BJP, signaling the party’s growing acceptance in a state long considered impenetrable.
Rajagopal’s efforts in building the BJP in Kerala cannot be overstated. In a region where the party faced ideological resistance and organizational hurdles, he cultivated a cadre of dedicated workers, fostered alliances, and promoted the party’s inclusive nationalism. His work helped the BJP gain visibility through community outreach, cultural programs, and advocacy for local issues. Over the decades, this foundation has contributed significantly to the party’s gradual expansion—as evidenced by Suresh Gopi’s historic win of the Thrissur Lok Sabha seat in 2024, marking the BJP’s first MP from Kerala, and VV Rajesh’s election as Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation in 2025, the party’s first mayoral post in the state. His 2016 win opened doors for future leaders, proving that steadfast dedication could break barriers. Today, the BJP’s increasing influence in Kerala—including strong performances in key constituencies—owes much to the seeds he sowed.
In recognition of his lifelong service, Rajagopal was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 2024, one of India’s highest civilian awards, affirming his status as an eminent statesman. Now in his vanaprastha phase, he leads a simple, pious existence, focusing on spiritual pursuits while staying connected to societal causes. His activity level remains impressive; he continues to mentor young leaders and engage in public discourse, embodying the Hindu ideal of detachment without disengagement. Recent interactions, such as meetings with emerging BJP figures like Thiruvananthapuram Mayor VV Rajesh, highlight how the current generation reveres his legacy. This demonstrates that the modern BJP in Kerala not only recognizes but actively draws inspiration from Rajagopal’s contributions, ensuring his vision endures.
O. Rajagopal’s life is a master class in resilience, integrity, and selfless service—qualities sorely needed in today’s fast-paced political arena. For the current generation, he exemplifies how one can rise through merit, maintain humility amid power, and prioritize nation-building over personal gain. In an era of fleeting alliances and opportunism, Rajagopal’s Spartan lifestyle and pious devotion remind us that true leadership stems from inner strength and ethical conviction. As Kerala and India evolve, his story remains a timeless guide, urging young aspirants to build with patience, lead with purpose, and live with grace.
